The synthesis of a C1-C8 lactone fragment of discodermolide

The asymmetric synthesis of a fragment corresponding to the C 1 -C 8 region of the immunosuppressant dicodermolide is reported. A trihydroxylactone of defined absolute stereochemistry is also prepared. This compound is a potential reductive ozonolysis product of discodermolide and may aid the determination of the absolute stereochemistry of the natural product.